Faith Leaders and Parents Unite to Oppose Controversial Family Preparedness Plan Act
Thousands of Californians gathered at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Tuesday to protest Assembly Bill 495 (AB 495), a controversial piece of legislation that will endanger children by undermining parental authority in California. Organized by Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, the rally drew thousands of parents, faith leaders, State Legislators, and activists united against one of the most dangerous bills ever introduced in the Golden State.
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Pastor Hibbs, a prominent voice in Christian circles and founder of the Real Life Network, has been vocal in his opposition, warning that AB 495 will allow non-relatives—potentially even strangers—to claim temporary custody of children without parental consent, background checks, or court oversight.
“It is so bad, it is so dangerous,” shared Hibbs.
Understanding AB 495: The Family Preparedness Plan Act
Introduced by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez in February 2025, AB 495—titled the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025—aims to expand caregiver rights, particularly for immigrant families facing separation due to immigration enforcement. The bill leaves open legal loopholes for predators and nefarious actors across the state.
- – Expanded Caregiver Affidavits: Allowing “nonrelative extended family members” (such as godparents, mentors, or close friends) to execute affidavits granting them authority to make school-related medical decisions for minors, similar to legal guardians.
- – Joint Guardianship in Emergencies: Courts could appoint joint guardians, including a nominated non-relative, if a parent is temporarily unavailable—such as during immigration-related actions. Records would remain confidential.
- – Protections for Schools and Daycares: Prohibits licensed child day care facilities from collecting immigration status information (except where legally required) and mandates adoption of policies limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement by July 1, 2026.
- – Legislative Intent: The bill highlights the trauma of family separations under federal immigration policies, seeking to provide stable caregiving options during crises.
Supporters frame it as a safeguard for vulnerable families, ensuring children aren’t left without care if parents are detained or deported. However, common sense opponents like Hibbs argue it opens the door to abuse, enabling child trafficking by allowing unauthorized adults to remove children from schools or daycares with just an affidavit—no parental notification required.
Senator Shannon Groves encouraged attendees at the rally to resist the bill and pray for California, “All of you being here to stand with Pastor Jack Hibbs is a testament. We need parental consent not self-certification. We need to protect children.”
State Senator Tony Strickland said, “I am proud to be with you making a difference in California. I’m here not just as a state senator but as a dad. This bill is totally unacceptable to any parent who cares about their child. This measure has unintended consequences,” warning that it opens the door as a legal path to predators. “This is one of the worst bills I have seen, and that’s saying something.”
Hibbs has gone further, urging families to flee California if the bill passes, calling it “the most dangerous bill we’ve ever seen.” Estimates from attendees, including military veteran and gubernatorial candidate Leo Naranjo IV, placed the crowd at around 1,500, with participants from all political backgrounds standing united for parental rights.
A Day of Prayer, Protest, and Victory
The rally, which began at 1:00 PM, featured speeches from faith leaders, legal experts, and parents sharing stories of government overreach. Hibbs led prayers for the state, emphasizing the need to defend children as a divine mandate. “We live in a nation of freedom, and freedom goes to the people,” he told the crowd. Other speakers, including representatives from the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), highlighted how the bill will erode existing parental safeguards.
In a significant development announced by Hibbs post-rally, AB 495 has been placed in the suspense file by the Assembly Appropriations Committee—a procedural move that shelves the bill for the current session but doesn’t kill it entirely. “Thank you, Lord, for an incredible day and turnout as we rallied together in Sacramento at the Capitol against AB 495,” Hibbs shared. “AB 495 has now been put into suspense, but this DOES NOT mean that the fight is over.”
Attendees echoed this sentiment, with many crediting prayer and public pressure for the win. “God gave people today purpose, voice, and will to stand up against ugly/evil legislation,” Naranjo shared. Cohen praised Hibbs and the Real Life Network for “boldly leading a Pro-God, Pro-Family, Pro-Parents rights rally to stop the California Democrats Child Trafficking bill.”
Broader Implications for Faith and Family in California
For Hibbs and common-sense citizens, the fight isn’t over. Hibbs encouraged ongoing involvement urged continued prayer, and advocacy. “This is the hill to die on,” he has repeatedly stated in calls to action.
ThriveNews.co will continue to monitor developments on AB 495 and similar legislation impacting families across the nation.
